Speaker Markup Test

Case for Christ Study Bible Notes

(CaseSB) 3:2 mutilators. The false teachers have so distorted the meaning of circumcision (cf. v. 3) that it has become nothing more than a useless cutting of the body.

3:3 circumcision. Its true, inner meaning is realized only in believers, who worship God with genuine spiritual worship and who glory in Christ as their Savior rather than trusting in their own human effort (cf. and note on 2:29; ; see also ; ).

3:6 legalistic righteousness. Righteousness produced by using the law as an attempt to merit God’s approval and blessing (cf. v. 9)— a use of the law strongly opposed by Paul as contrary to the gospel itself (see ; ; and note; 3:10–12 and note on 3:10).

3:8 knowing Christ Jesus. Not only a knowledge of facts but a knowledge gained through experience that, in its surpassing greatness, transforms the entire person (see and note). The following verses spell this out.

3:9 be found in him. Union with Christ (see note on 2:1; cf. )— not simply an experience in the past, but a present, continuing relationship. righteousness … from the law. See note on v. 6. righteousness … by faith. A principal benefit of union with Christ (see ; ; and note).

3:10 know Christ. As in v. 8, this knowledge is not merely factual; it includes the experience of the “power of his resurrection” (see ), of “fellowship … in his sufferings” (cf. ) and of being “like him in his death” (see ; ). Believers already share positionally in Christ’s death and resurrection (cf. ; ; ; ; ; ; ). In v. 10, however, Paul speaks of the actual experience of Christ’s resurrection power and of suffering with and for him, even to the point of death.

3:21 power … under his control. Christ’s present power, earned by his obedience to death (see 2:8) and received in his resurrection and ascension, is universal and absolute (see ; ; ). will transform. By the Holy Spirit at the resurrection (see and note). our lowly bodies. Subject to weakness, decay and death, due to sin (see , ; ). like his glorious body. See ; . The resurrection body, received already by Christ, who is the “firstfruits,” will be received by believers in the future resurrection harvest (see , ). It is “spiritual” (, ), i.e., transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 7:1–6 TLV

1 After these events, Yeshua was walking about in the Galilee. He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Judean leaders wanted to kill Him. 2 Now the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near. 3 Therefore His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so Your disciples also may see the works You are doing. 4 No one who wants to be well known does everything in secret. If You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world!” 5 For not even His brothers were trusting in Him. 6 Therefore Yeshua said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always at hand.

James 2:1–5 TLV

1 My brothers and sisters, do not hold the faith of our glorious Lord Yeshua the Messiah while showing favoritism. 2 For if a man with a gold ring and fine clothes comes into your synagogue, and a poor person in filthy clothes also comes in; 3 and you pay special attention to the one wearing the fine clothing and you say, “Sit here in a good place”; and you say to the poor person, “Stand there,” or “Sit by my footstool”; 4 haven’t you made distinctions between yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters. Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom that He promised to those who love Him?